Jamie’s challenge of a lifetime is achieved

A daredevil youngster from the borough has achieved one of his lifetime ambitions thanks to the generosity of his local church.

Jamie Thompson, from Whitley Bay, has always wanted to drive a rally car around a race track at high speed.

But the 26-year-old, who is blind, has never driven anything in his life.

Undeterred, Jamie mentioned his wish to some of the congregation at St John’s Methodist Church in Ilfracombe Gardens, Whitley Bay, who decided to help by giving money from the Benevolent Fund towards Jamie’s challenge.

Jamie said: “I can’t believe I’ve done it.

“I drove 77 miles an hour, it was fantastic. I would love to do it again.”